Since my last name is Shields, it was inevitable my personal call sign would be Panty. I first took up residence in this rather comfortable place to d...e shortly after my wife, Gail, died of cancer about two years ago. They keep the air-conditioning too cold for me, so I wear my leather flight jacket with the name tag in place. The staff thinks it is hilarious, and truth be known, I kinda like it. It served a purpose as a conversation starter and allows me to keep a little bit of my former. Best to get it over with, I thought, and with the minimalamount of embarrassment. Besides, I was curious, so I went inside.She was pretty cool, I'll hand her that. She didn't play any games, likepretending not to know who I was or to be all surprised to find methere. She just said, "You must be Phoebe." Yes I am. I guess you're Grace. You live in the main house in front ofthe horse garage that my...that Marcia rents." Yes I do. Nice to meet you. I've heard a lot about you." I've heard a little. Cheryl had bigger hair and was blonder, though that was because she was a bleached blonde I thought. It was really easy to strike up conversation and very relaxed, Australian-style. Cheryl told me that she lived by the beach and described how she loved to lounge on the sand, which was just up my street because there is nothing I am fonder of. (Almost). A number of other people hung around, some couples some singles, occasionally wandering off to adjoining rooms.The Jacuzzi beckoned but the. We hope you’ll be impressed with the changes since you left. We’re proud of what we’ve achieved, especially with both ships absent for so long.”“I’m looking forward to it. But I’ve got an announcement, so I’m opening this so everyone can hear. With the major conflict in the region resolved, I, Albert Collins, am retiring as the Captain of the Peaceful Avenger.”Silence followed, so he glanced at those around him before responding. “Did you copy that?”“We did,” Trill answered, “but we’re ....